Head-to-head reliability
Mazda MPV vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda MPV and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda MPV vs Chevrolet Silverado: The MPV averages 88 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averages 510 per year over 10 years. MPV owners report transmission and air bag issues, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda MPV or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda MPV
The Mazda MPV is a minivan that, based on NHTSA data, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 88 per year over seven years. Owners report issues that affect daily usability, such as transmission problems that can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly go into reverse or neutral, and engine cooling problems that may lead to stalling or poor performance. Air bag concerns include inadvertent deployment, which is alarming even if no injuries are reported. Electrical glitches, like flickering headlights, add to the ownership burden, making the MPV a vehicle that requires careful inspection and maintenance history review.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year over ten years. The data reveals serious and potentially dangerous failures, including engine issues like excessive soot in diesel models and sudden loss of power, transmission problems that cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, and brake failures where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective. Electrical system faults can lead to a cascade of failures, including loss of steering and brakes. These patterns suggest that while the Silverado is popular, it has significant reliability and safety concerns that buyers must investigate thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda MPV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 617 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 53 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 88.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda MPV
- 01POWER TRAIN134
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING127
- 03AIR BAGS69
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM64
- 05STRUCTURE44
Owners report the transmission can stick in reverse or shift into neutral without warning, making the vehicle difficult to control. This is a serious safety issue that could lead to accidents, especially in parking lots or traffic.
Problems include intake manifold issues that trigger the check engine light and cause poor fuel economy, as well as catalytic converter failures. These can lead to reduced performance and costly repairs.
There are reports of the driver's side air bag deploying without a crash, which can startle the driver and cause loss of control. Other complaints mention air bags not deploying in crashes, raising concerns about occupant protection.
Headlights flicker or turn off while driving, with the high beam indicator illuminating incorrectly. This can compromise visibility at night and increase the risk of a crash.
“PARKED THE CAR IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR TO LEAVE, STARTED THE CAR, BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT AND THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND LEAVE. WHEN I DID, THE CAR KEPT GOING IN REVERSE. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL,…”
“WHEN I INITIALLY BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IT HAD BEEN THROUGH PREVIOUS OWNERS AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIX THINGS BUT AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE AND I JUST CAN AFFORD MUCH BUT I HAPPEN TO PUT THE YR MAKE AND MODEL INTO THE GOOGLE ONE DAY AND NOTICE OF RECALLS AN…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe issues such as sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters. These problems can leave drivers stranded and require frequent dealer visits.
The transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral, especially when driving uphill, which can cause loss of power and control. This is a dangerous situation, particularly in traffic or on inclines.
Electrical faults can lead to a complete loss of braking and steering while driving, as reported by one owner. This is a critical safety failure that demands immediate attention.
Brake failure is reported where the pedal feels firm but the vehicle does not stop effectively. This can lead to crashes, especially in emergency situations.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda MPV — 26 recalls
The defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dako…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may…
The defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Ind…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR CABLE MAY BE BROKEN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH (GROUP 1). ALSO INCLUDED ARE CERTAIN 2000-2001 MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 31, 1999 AND MARCH 31, 2001, THAT HAVE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL REPAI…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BROKEN ACTUATOR CABLE MAY BE OUT OF POSITION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, PREVENTING A DECREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 1 BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2004. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULES WERE NOT PROPERLY WELDED AND MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION.
The risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Mazda MPV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda MPV has fewer complaints per year (88.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the MPV's problems are still serious, including transmission and air bag concerns. The Silverado's higher complaint rate and the severity of its brake and engine failures suggest that it may pose greater risks to buyers, but both vehicles require thorough pre-purchase inspections.
Key differences
- The Mazda MPV has a much lower complaint rate (88.1 per year) than the Silverado (510.5 per year), suggesting fewer reported issues overall.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic failures like sudden loss of braking and steering, while MPV owners report more moderate issues like transmission hesitation and air bag deployment.
- The MPV's top problems are in power train and engine cooling, whereas the Silverado's top problems are in engine and power train, with a significant number of brake complaints.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado has more recalls (100) than the MPV (26), indicating a higher frequency of safety-related defects.
- Check the transmission for any signs of slipping or unexpected shifting, as owners report the vehicle can go into reverse or neutral without warning.
- Inspect the air bag system for any warning lights or previous deployments, as there are reports of inadvertent deployment.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, because owners report a firm pedal but ineffective braking.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures can lead to sudden loss of power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds and on inclines to check for transmission and brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission repairs.
- Check the air bag system for any prior deployments or warning lights.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda MPV or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda MPV vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda MPV total complaints
- 617
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda MPV total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda MPV avg complaints/year
- 88.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda MPV
- Mazda MPV top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE